Paul William Weis

Born in St. Louis, MO on May 4, 1923, he moved to Florida during his early childhood. After attending his first three years of high school at Concordia in Fort Wayne, IN, he graduated from Avon Park High School in 1941.

Following his graduation, he spent part of his freshman year at the University of Florida before being drafted into the United States Army in 1943. He went through two separate Basic Trainings, the last in Camp Maxey in Texas in 1944. He was sent to attend Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) classes at Louisiana State University. A member of the 99th Infantry Division, his unit was sent to Belgium to begin combat.

He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and was one of the first American soldiers across the Bridge at Remagen. In between, he was wounded and had shrapnel removed from his leg in a Belgian hospital.

For his efforts, he received the coveted Bronze Star and Purple Heart awards, and also earned recognition for being the best marksman in his division.

After the war, he returned to the United States and went to work as a carpenter, building several homes in Winter Haven and surrounding areas. At night, he attended classes at Florida Southern College.

Later, he went on to manage a lumber company in Lake Alfred and ultimately became an outside wholesale building supply salesman until his retirement.

He was a founding member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, where he attended for more than 50 years.

He married his wife of 47 years, JoAnne, on August 6, 1965.

An accomplished musician, he played the piano, trumpet and French horn, and was one of his church’s organists. He was also a member of the Central Florida Model A club who participated in many local parades, car shows and festivals.

Mr. Weis is survived by his wife, JoAnne; sons Mark Weis, Greg Tincher and John Weis (Christina); daughters Paula Dull (Bret) and Denise Burnett (Bill); grandchildren Heather Catrett (Kyle), Marc Dull, Cassie Dull, Justin Weis, Andrew Weis, Chawnette Weis and Jaxon Weis; and great-grandchild, Kylie Catrett; also by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road in Gotha; with visitation from 1-2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran School, 1449 34th Street NW, Winter Haven, FL, 33881-1903.